Master-Corporal Derek Picklyk of CFB Shilo was awarded a CDS Coin for outstanding efforts in OPERATION Cadence, and a platinum level on the CAF FORCES fitness test for the second year in a row on Sept. 24.  Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News.

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

For the second time, Master-Corporal Derek Picklyck has mastered a major physical milestone by reaching the platinum award level for physicality in the Canadian Armed Forces fitness test.

Major Melisa Marshall, CFB Shilo Chief of Staff, presented the prestigious award to the master-corporal in a ceremony on September 24. She said award nominations were submitted during a recent visit from General Jennie Carignan to CFB Shilo.

During the presentation, Maj Marshall joked about how she recently completed the CAF fitness testing herself with MCpl Picklyck as her evaluator. She said she was hoping for some tips since another of Picklyck’s fitness titles is “Mr. Crossfit Manitoba,” but was tongue-in-cheek dismayed when he told her there would be “no free passes.”

“I want to say thank you very much to MCpl Picklyck for continuously being an outstanding example to us … in the CAF,” she said. “Master-Corporal Picklyck continuously demonstrates something right for all of us to strive toward and have better physical fitness.”

Not only did MCpl Picklyck receive the platinum fitness level recognition, he was also presented with a CDS Command coin for his commitment to fitness and going above and beyond in OPERATION Cadence.

Operation CADENCE was the CAF’s support to the RCMP security effort for the G7 Summit.

More than 265 Army military personnel were among the 2,206 CAF members and vehicles aiding the RCMP with planning support, air transport, monitoring the air, sea, and land in the region and supporting the security of the restricted airspace through NORAD during the G7 Summit.

Master-Corporal Derek Picklyk stands with Master Warrant Officer Darlene Skinner and Major Melissa Marshall, CFB Shilo Chief of Staff. Picklyk was awarded a CDS Coin for outstanding efforts in OPERATION Cadence, and a platinum level on the CAF FORCES fitness test for the second year, on Sept. 24.  (Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)